The Swifter is a new trio featuring Andrea Belfi (drums and percussion), BJNilsen (electronics) and Simon James Phillips (piano).
Their self-titled debut album on the Tapeworm label’s byproduct Wormhole documents the first encounter of the three musicians. Recorded live in the Grunewald Church, Berlin, careful attention was given to capturing the unique resonant acoustic offered by the airy, stone building, exhibiting the broad palate of aesthetic qualities the group are able to create.
httpv://https://youtu.be/pv98jJM2T60
Subtly evolving sound worlds that evoke, at times, the loneliness within a ship’s hold; a relentlessly driven wall of harmonically rich sound or a sonic fog that lifts to reveal a delicate instrumental discourse.
Nilsen sources material from the soundboard of the giant Bösendorfer Imperial concert grand played by Phillips. This setup facilitates a oneness of sound that Nilsen subtly manipulates to either augment or contrast against the unique sonic world of Phillips’ playing – which is carefully punctuated or driven by Belfi’s distinctive style.
httpv://https://youtu.be/P8CG2KeFfmM
Takeshi Nishimoto comes from a background as a guitarist, receiving classical training from some of the world´s premiere guitar players, while on the other hand he has been steadily growing into the more electronic music scene with a bunch of albums on CCO as I´m Not A Gun alongside John Tajeda.
Takeshi appeared solo on record first in 2007 through CCO offset label Büro and returned in 2013 with his second album Lavandula, this time for the Sonic Pieces label.
httpv://https://youtu.be/fNv3YRhuzEg
Although you could say Lavandula is a guitar solo record – that really does not do it justice if you dive deeper into the sounds that resonates within it.
At times, Takeshi uses some really fine electronic methods to bend and shape the guitar and background atmospheres, like the beautifully perceived Strassenlaterne.
httpv://https://youtu.be/6Zh7AJ3Cy2I
Lavandula is a very personal and beautiful late summer album that brings to mind the film music of Gustavo Santaolalla (21 grams, Babel, Biutiful) or Tape´s classic albums for Häpna.
But traveling through Japanese, North American and European traditions. A great record to bring while traveling, wake up to in the morning or simply enjoy in a quiet evening.
This event is presented by Digital in Berlin. Check out our Facebook page to win tickets.
The Swifter & Takeshi Nishimoto
Thursday, 08th January 2015 | 21:00 CET
Roter Salon in der Volksbühne | Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz | 10178 Berlin/Mitte
tapeworm.org.uk | takeshinishimoto.com | volksbuehne-berlin.de
